Matt Sandusky, adopted son of convicted child sexual abuser Jerry Sandusky, recently attended the Sundance Film Festival premiere of “Happy Valley.” This documentary sheds light on the infamous abuse scandal and its impact on the Penn State community. It was the younger Sandusky’s first public appearance since bravely coming forward to testify against his father in 2012. Over 90% of child sexual abuse victims are abused by someone they know and trust. “My role in the film was to share the perspective of a survivor, to give survivors …

By Centre Daily Times reporter, Mike Dawson — mdawson@centredaily.com UNIVERSITY PARK — A Penn State student-organized walk raised more than $8,300 that will be used to educate local people about preventing and recognizing child [sexual] abuse. Donning dark blue T-shirts, about 100 students looped around campus Wednesday for the walk sponsored by Penn State’s chapter of Darkness to Light, a national organization dedicated to stopping child [sexual] abuse. Joining them was Jay Paterno, the honorary chairman of the walk. Student organizer Lance Chappelle said his …

This week, ABC News Philadelphia shared the first public interview with “Victim 10″ from the Sandusky trial, who settled his case against Penn State on Tuesday. The interview reveals an all too familiar pattern. Our Stewards of Children® child sexual abuse prevention training addresses issues such as grooming, one-on-one situations, secrets, and long-term effects. The importance of these topics is emphasized by Victim 10′s story, which unfortunately provides a textbook example of child sexual abuse. “Jerry Sandusky took an instant liking to me,” he said. “He …

This morning, the “TODAY Show” released audio recordings from telephone interviews between the incarcerated Jerry Sandusky and filmmaker John Ziegler. Early in his appearance on the show, Ziegler asserted, “Jerry Sandusky already had his day in court.” And yet, this morning, the world was forced to listen to him once more – as he laughed about “sex” in the shower and discussed the validity of testimonies and due process. From the beginning, long before I came to Darkness to Light, the testimony of Jerry Sandusky …

Amidst all of the political shenanigans, world coming-to-an-end drama and heart-wrenching tragedy of the last few months, some may have missed that charges of perjury, conspiracy and endangering the welfare of children were filed against former Penn State President Graham Spanier. This should make leaders of all child-serving organizations do more than just pause. This is a wake-up call to those in leadership positions that protecting children, as my dear colleague, Retired Lt. Bill Walsh likes to say “is not a spectator sport.” Much will be …

We support a new effort launched by the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County in response to the NCAA sanctions levied on Penn State — provided the whole message is communicated and embraced. Posters are popping up around the county, each bearing the open-ended phrase “Together we are one — moving forward.” The campaign plays off the traditional Beaver Stadium cheer: “We are … Penn State.” It also proclaims that as members of this community we should work together to respond to our …

We’re excited to announce the Penn State Walk for Prevention! One month ago, we were contacted by some compassionate students at PSU who wanted to make a difference in their community. Having been shocked and saddened by the situation at Penn State (a school they loved), these students were resolved to turn this terrible reality into an opportunity to work towards a more positive future. These students wanted to show that Penn State still had a strong heartbeat, and they wanted to show off the …

“As part of our commitment, every State College Borough employee is receiving training through the Stewards of Children – Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training program, a nationally available program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes and change child-protective behavior. This training is also being offered free of charge to all residents through online and in-class trainings. To find out more about Stewards of Children, contact Cameron Frantz at (814) 237-7717 or email cfrantz@ymcaofcentrecounty.org.” – State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham Read more here.

STATE COLLEGE — It’s time to become more aware, Centre County. On the heels of the Freeh report, advocates for children say it’s clear that a change needs to take place. According to Cameron Frantz, director of community outreach for the Centre County YMCA, people need to start talking — now. “Child sex abuse is such a taboo topic,” Frantz said. “But it’s an epidemic. By the time children are 18, one in four boys will be abused and one in six girls will be …

The news coverage of the child sexual abuse case involving Jerry Sandusky and Penn State is a great door-opener for parents and caregivers to talk with kids about sexual abuse. If your child or teen has seen some of the news coverage, it can be an opportunity to gently ask your child how much they know about sexual abuse. Asking questions in a conversational and genuine way can help you know where the gaps are in your child’s understanding and knowledge. It will also give …